They don’t call it “the change of life” for nothing. In the years leading up to menopause, lots of things shift - women experience lower energy levels, weight gain, mood swings, depression, stress, anxiety, and yes, lower libido. But we don’t have to (and we shouldn’t!) take these menopause symptoms lying down. Exercise can have a positive impact on many of the signs of menopause and therefore help women get through this stage of life with ease. So, you can add “treating menopause” to the long list of health benefits that come from a regular full-body workout.
Signs and symptoms of menopause
Although menopause is technically only one day, for some women, the years leading up to it can be a roller coaster of physical and emotional signs. Women experience various menopause symptoms, and not all women experience menopause in the same way. Most of the physical and psychological signs of menopause are due to hormonal changes. They include:
Reduced libido, sex drive sexual responses and arousal.
Depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.
Forgetfulness, loss of concentration.
Weight gain and self-image issues.
Fatigue and reduced energy levels.
Aches and pains.
Vaginal dryness.
Hot flushes.
Dry skin.
Exercise is one thing women can do to reduce these symptoms and treat menopause, as it can create a positive cycle that increases motivation to exercise even more. Here’s what it does to fight menopause symptoms and increase libido:
Boosts mood and fights anxiety and depression. When you engage in a full-body workout, your brain releases feel-good hormones called endorphins, which promote a sense of well-being.
Helps counteract weight gain caused by hormonal changes. A regular full-body workout like the Curves Circuit helps you lose weight and get stronger, both of which are good for body image.
Reduces orgasm dissatisfaction and problems with arousal. Research shows women who are physically fit are more likely to have a healthier sex drive and more frequent orgasms. This is due in part to the boost in self-image women get by exercising regularly.
Helps improve circulation. Better circulation means better blood flow throughout the entire body, including the genitals. By improving circulation, exercise can help with female sex drive and satisfaction.
Boosts energy. Women who exercise also tend to have more energy when it comes to everything, including sex.
Weight gain, low energy, and mood swings are some of the most common menopause symptoms. And all these symptoms can put a damper on your sex drive. Regular exercise helps counteract most signs of menopause. Plus, a full body workout like the Curves circuit helps you lose weight, which will in turn support sexual health and maintenance of a satisfying lifestyle, whether you are pre or post-menopause.
Remember, exercise doesn’t have to take a lot of time! Working out at your local Curves or at home offers complete total body workouts that include strength training, cardio and stretching in just 30 minutes. Challenge yourself to just three times per week and start feeling the results of a Curves workout today!
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